Angus Howie completes Ulverston Triathlon

My triathlon journey started 6 months ago when I joined the Birmingham university triathlon club after it was suggested by my healthcare team that this could really help with my Cystic Fibrosis. My first swim session consisted of just bobbing up and down in the water, but over the months this developed into being able to swim a steady 400m in under 10 minutes. I knew about the Ulverston triathlon, which coincided with the Easter holidays, so I thought I’d give it a go. Despite doing a music degree, I threw myself into my training as best I could, working around my studies. The last three weeks in particular were very hectic as the big day approached. A week of concerts, then deadlines and race preparation.

On race day, the conditions were perfect, if a little cold. After briefing, we were off. 16 lengths of the pool. Done. Next to battle through transition with as little chaos as possible before setting off on the bike with a tail wind towards Rampside. After negotiating the roundabout and several hills, it was back into transition to get back out on the course for the run. This section of the race was made more difficult by being unable to feel my feet. At first, it felt like running on rubber sand dunes! However, I got myself into a strong rhythm and just kept going. It seemed trance-like, and before I knew it the finish line was in sight. A history of running enabled my legs to hit finishing mode and turn up the speed across the line, before post-race fatigue set in.

Competing helps put everything into perspective and helps me realise that my Cystic Fibrosis will not limit me. Now that I’ve finished my first triathlon I am looking out for my next big challenge. I am currently attempting to climb every mountain in books 2,3,&4 of the Wainwright series, raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. If you want to find out any more about this, then check out my justgiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/abigail-howie2.